Ariana Grande‘s reps have confirmed she’s going to take a long break once her world tour is completed, addressing months of health concerns from fans online.
The pop star’s team recently released an official statement to reveal that after her current Eternal Sunshine tour completes later this year, she will be “taking a step back” from the public eye, not only making fewer appearances but also putting off major projects like her upcoming role in a West End musical. Though her team cited “public scrutiny” as being the reason behind her break, the news didn’t come long after fans and other internet users pointed out her “concerning” appearance, especially in her new music video, worried for her health, and publicly asked her to seek some kind of treatment or help. Read more about the situation below.
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
Ariana Grande Will Be 'Taking A Step Back' & Stepping Down From Her West End Role Once Her Tour Is Complete
The "Thank U, Next" singer has undoubtedly had a tumultuous last couple of years, launching into a new level of stardom with her role in the Wicked movies, releasing new music for her loyal fanbase, working on her makeup line, and, more recently, embarking on a major tour.
However, through it all, fans and other internet users have noticed that she's gotten increasingly slimmer and more frail-looking. posting and commenting on pictures and videos of her where some of her bones are more visible than they previously were, making remarks about not just her appearance, but also her lack of energy. Now, according to her team, those comments have pushed her to a point of wanting to leave the public eye.
In a new statement released to People, one of Ariana's reps wrote, "Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour."
"She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny," the rep continued. "This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much."
The rep also confirmed that this meant the Nickelodeon alum will be dropping out of the upcoming West End production of Sunday In The Park With George, which she was supposed to star in alongside Jonathan Bailey next summer.
Fans React To Ariana's Announcement Amid Latest Music Video Appearance
The singer and actress has been called out over her increasingly concerning appearance for months now, and things were taken to the next level when she released a music video for her new single, "Petal," this past Friday. Therefore, it's becoming more difficult for some fans to believe that her break is primarily due to "public scrutiny," but instead, that it could be in order for her to return to a healthier state of being.
The music video centers around an aspiring actress whose spirit is crushed as she's rejected over and over again by entertainment industry figures in audition rooms. In the video, her skinny, slimmed-down figure was on full display as she posed in front of the judging actors, and it didn't take long for social media users to screengrab and repost clips where things like her sternum, rib cage, and shoulder bones were especially visible.
"This is probably the most triggering music video I've ever seen," wrote an X user.
"I hope she gets better soon; it's sad to see people in that state," responded another.
One distressed fan wrote, "I really don't recognize my Ariana anymore," as another added, "It's just upsetting, I can't believe they allowed this to be produced and released."
"She's so talented and also transparent in her despair," a user commented. "Concerning because she's so unhappy in this limelight."
After Ariana's team's message about her "taking a step back" went viral online, many of the same concerned fans also sent messages of love and support, encouraging the singer to heal whatever may be hurting her physically and emotionally, and reminding her that they'll be waiting for her return when she's ready.
"You're beautiful, talented, and forever a light," wrote a fan on Instagram. "Wishing you nothing but good health."
"Wishing Ariana lots of healing and well-deserved rest post-tour," commented another.
"You deserve to live happy and safe," added a fan. "We got your back. Love you no matter what."
